Prevent Mold in the Bathroom

The bathroom is where mold is most likely to grow. Heat and moisture are generated in the bathroom frequently providing mold with great conditions to grow and flourish.

 

Taking the steps to prevent mold in the bathroom is vital for your health and for the overall look of the bathroom. In addition, if neglected and due to suitable growing conditions, bathroom mold is likely to spread internally through walls, ceilings, and floors, leading to extremely expensive remediation costs.

 

Since the bathroom is a high risk room for water damage, be sure to perform frequent inspection to prevent water damage in the bathroom.

 

The first step in mold prevention is keeping the bathroom dry and airy. Use a hygrometer [humidity meter] to check humidity levels before and after showers. Make sure that humidity levels go below 40%-45% within 5-10 minutes from the time you finished your shower.

 

Air Circulation

 

Air circulation is another key step in keeping adequate humidity levels.

• Open windows and doors after taking a shower to allow air to free flow and remove excess moisture.
• Turn on the exhaust fan while taking a bath or shower. Leave it working for 5-10 more minutes after finishing using the bathroom to allow the bathroom to dry completely.
• Check and confirm that the fan exhausts directly to the outside.

Shower and Bathtub
Pay attention and maintain your shower and bathtub.

• Keep the bathtub, floors, walls, and ceilings, clean and dry.
• Be sure to stretch the bathtub curtain after using the bathtub to allow equal drying.
• If possible, keep clearance between the bottom part of the curtain and the bathtub to allow air to flow there as well.

 Routine Maintenance

 

Keep the drains in good shape. Remove all debris to allow the shower to drain completely and flawlessly. It is also recommended to pour a little bleach down them every three to four months. Semi-gloss paint is recommended to create hard surfaces on your walls. It is harder for mold to grow on these surfaces. In addition, wipe down the bathroom, the walls, and the grout with antifungal spray every time you clean the bathroom. That will prevent mold from growing.  If see signs of mold on the walls or floors, you may need to inspect inside the walls and floor with fiber optics inspection through a small opening you will have to create.

 

How to Avoid Wind Damage to Your Home

How does wind cause damage?


During high winds, wind speeds vary and the winds may change direction. This puts enormous pressure on all parts of a building. Keep your house well sealed to the outside will prevent wind from entering your home and cause damage. In addition, the debris carried by high winds can enter your house, causing damage and possible injury.

Start at the top

The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home. The connection between the roof and walls must be strong enough to resist uplift “effect of strong winds. Have a professional inspect building and installing specially designed metal connectors that are appropriate for your type of roof (gabled or flat) and construction of walls (wood or masonry).

Make sure the roof sheathing is properly installed. Control attic to ensure that the nails went into the rafters or trusses. You may need to renail some of the envelope.


Protect windows and doors

The windows must be protected to reduce the risk of damage or injury caused by flying debris and pressure changes. Here are some options: permanent storm shutters or temporary plywood covers cons. In case of emergency, permanent shutters can be easily and quickly closed to protect windows. Temporary plywood covers are cheaper, but are less convenient and attractive. Remember to cover the sliding glass doors, French doors and skylights.

Make sure your front door is secured with at least three hinges and a lock security deadbolt. Solid wood or hollow metal doors are more likely to withstand wind pressure and flying debris.

Do not Forget the Yard

Cut the trees around your house that could constitute a threat by falling or hitting your house. Put away the garden furniture, barbecues, tools, toys, and anything that could become a flying missile. If you are planning to plant new trees in your yard, try to choose varieties that can withstand high winds.

Garage Doors


Garage doors (especially for two cars) are also vulnerable to damage from high winds. If installing a new garage door, make sure you get one that is designed to withstand high winds. For an existing door, there are mounted bracing kits available to provide additional support.

Be sure that you protected

Contact the insurance company that holds your policy owner must be sure that your home is adequately protected in the event of wind damage.